In the South State, Liu Heng stood in front of the study, looking at the western sky.
He was not an immortal, but he could still sense the terrifying aura coming from there.
"It has begun."
Liu Heng thought to himself. After so many years, the war between the gods was finally about to begin.
However, this war would not only involve the immortals and buddhas, but also the mortals.
Outside Chang 'an, ominous dark clouds were gathering.
"Your Majesty!"
General Li Guang came to the study and knelt on the ground. "The Duke of Huainan is rebelling. Hangu Pass is in danger!"
"The Duke of Huainan?"
An upright face flashed across Liu Heng's mind.
During Empress Lu's reign, many princes died.
He and the Duke of Huainan, Liu Chang, were the few surviving princes. Liu Chang lost his mother at a young age and was raised by Empress Lu. Therefore, he was fortunate enough to avoid political troubles during Empress Lu's reign.
Liu Heng and Liu Chang were very close.
Liu Heng did not expect that the person who always called him "Big Brother!" would rebel.
This was the second time.
"Your Majesty, the Duke of Huainan's rebellion is different from the last time."
Li Guang bowed to Liu Heng and said, "All the officials have left Chang 'an to welcome the Duke of Huainan's coronation. Please make a decision soon."
"I understand."
Liu Heng sighed and walked into the study. "Call the Yulin Royal Guards here."
"Yes."
Li Guang immediately went to mobilize the troops.
By the time he returned with his soldiers, Liu Heng had already donned his armor.
Liu Heng looked around at the densely packed soldiers, then led them away from Chang 'an.
Chang 'an had already been infiltrated by Spirit Mountain. There was no point in staying here any longer.
Liu Heng left Chang 'an on his horse. When he looked back, he couldn't help but feel sad.
The loyalty of the officials couldn't compare to the temptation of Spirit Mountain.
"Even as emperors, mortals are still mortals."
Liu Heng gripped the reins tightly.
He felt the powerlessness of mortals and understood who to hand over the Three Realms to.
Between Sun Wukong and Buddha, Liu Heng already had an answer in his heart as to who could bring happiness to the human race.
He left Chang 'an without any worries.
In front of Hangu Pass, the rebels swarmed up the wall.
The guards on the wall were desperately defending. Suddenly, a chant came from the sky and a Buddhist light descended, binding them to the ground.
"Amitabha."
The voice of Ksitigarbha resounded from the sky.
"The Bodhisattva has appeared!"
The Duke of Huainan, Liu Chang, was overjoyed. With an order, the rebel army spread from the bottom of the city wall like a prairie fire, igniting the whole Hangu Pass.
In an instant, Hangu Pass had fallen.
The general who was guarding the city was captured by the rebels. He angrily rebuked Liu Chang, "Duke of Huainan, you are arrogant and disobeyed the law. His Majesty is merciful and did not punish you for your crimes. You are not grateful and even …"
Before the general could finish cursing, he was chopped down by Liu Chang's saber and lost his breath.
"Big Brother only has himself to blame for all this."
Liu Chang sheathed his saber and said to the crowd, "I didn't want to betray him, but he is indecisive and lost his mind to the demon monkey. He is not fit to be the king."
Everyone was afraid of him and did not dare to make a sound.
In the sky, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva could not help but sigh when he saw this scene.
Once the aura of the spirit mountain spread, he started the battle of the South Continent.
The Duke of Huainan, Liu Zhangli, could carry the tripod, but he did not have the aura of a king. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva did not want to choose him, but only he could be entrusted with such a great responsibility.
"It's a pity for that king and the crown prince."
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva said, "If they were willing to submit to the spirit mountain, it would save us a lot of trouble."
"Bodhisattva is unshakable."
Diting, who was sitting under him, heard this and could not help but remind him, "Under the Heavenly Dao, we are all pawns. If we waver, we might be used by the Monkey King."
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's heart trembled and he stopped thinking. "Who from the Huaguo Mountain Sect has come to the South Continent?"
"The Donghua Emperor."
Diting replied, "He has already rushed to the South Continent."
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva immediately frowned.
That was a difficult guy to deal with.
At the seaside, a young man led a group of people to wait for the Donghua Emperor.
Countless rays of light flew over from the East Sea and landed on the ground one by one.
"Haha, it's really you."
When the Bear Demon King saw the young man, he walked over and gave him a big hug. "I knew you wouldn't run."
"I've been running for two hundred years, Bear Demon King."
The young man smiled and looked at the young man beside the Bear Demon King.
"You are …"
He felt that this young man was somewhat familiar.
"Mister, long time no see."
The young man bowed to the young man.
The young man immediately remembered that the young man was called Jia Yi, a famous strategist in the South Continent. Liu Heng had once made an exception and promoted him to the position of Grand Imperial Physician. Later on, he became the tutor of King Huai of Liang.
Many years ago, Jia Yi had been suffering from depression. The young man cured him and then disappeared without a trace.
The young man recognized Jia Yi and was pleasantly surprised. "Tutor, why did you come from the East Sea?"
"I was accepted as a disciple by the Donghua Emperor and have been cultivating under him for the past few years."
Jia Yi replied, "The Emperor ordered me to help in this Battle of the Three Realms."
"Where is the Emperor?"
The young man asked.
"I don't know."
Jia Yi shook his head and looked at the crowd behind the young man.
"These are …"
Jia Yi was a little surprised at the power in these people.
"The followers of the Heavenly Dao."
The young man answered. He had brought a small number of followers with him, the rest were still hidden in various places in the South Continent.
"Since Bear Demon King and Tutor are here, I'll leave the Heavenly Dao to you."
The young man voluntarily relinquished power.
"I don't like this job."
Bear Demon King shook his head and patted Jia Yi's shoulder. "I'll leave this kind of planning to you."
"Very well."
Jia Yi nodded, then asked the crowd: "Everyone, do you all know the purpose of your visit?"
Everyone nodded.
"The Heavenly Emperor's goal is the Three Realms, this battle will decide who the South Continent belongs to."
Jia Yi said: "It is our fortune to be able to participate in this."
Everyone was full of smiles.
"Then, let us go."
Jia Yi gave the order and led the crowd to the west to join the battle.
After a long time, the Donghua Emperor finally appeared on the shore.
He frowned slightly, then turned and walked towards Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.
The South Continent was burning amidst the chaos.
At the spiritual mountain, the Sanskrit and immortal characters were still clashing in the sky, causing the immortals and buddhas to stay away.
The Monkey King and the Buddha sat facing each other, a dazzling chessboard floated between them. It was as calm as the sea, and the four continents were reflected within.
Daji watched for a long time, then finally couldn't help but ask: "What is the King doing?"
"Playing chess."
Zhen Yuan Daisen answered.
He could tell that the chessboard between the Monkey King and the Buddha was created by the combined power of their Heavenly Dao.
They had turned the Heavenly Dao into a chessboard, and used all living beings as chess pieces to compete.
In the first round, the Buddha seemed to have the upper hand.
However, it was not that Sun Wukong did not have any advantages in the South Continent.